There are a lot of factors that actually determine just how 'environmentally friendly' bamboo is. There are some manufacturers that are not using proper methods to ensure that they are not harming the environment during cultivation and production. For example, in some areas, they are clearing forests to create what is called a 'monoculture' in which bamboo is the the only type of plant being grown. They are also using chemical fertilizers or weeders. Some manufacturers are using formaldehyde in their products as well.

That should answer your question, but please let me know if you need any other info.

I hear there are also many bamboo companies that harvest sooner than the 3-5 years it takes to mature and that makes the bamboo weaker and thus warping and buckling can be a problem. THe other thing I heard is that you can not engineer bamboo because of the lineal growth of the bamboo when glued to a backing that has interweaving will delaminate and also cause buckling. The standarizations are different in different countries and some countries are not as strict as the US when it comes to using toxic glues and finishes. Thus VOC issues have been found in some bamboo lines and as stated previously clearing of forest for the heavy demand for a eco-friendly floor.